Digital Arrest: What is it and How to Protect Yourself from Online Scam?

New Delhi: A recent case of digital arrest emerged where a 67-year-old Mumbai-based woman was placed under scam by online fraudsters, who forced her to pay Rs 14 lakh in exchange for clearing her name in a n-existent money laundering case, according to officials.

Speaking about case involving elderly woman, a police official said, " accused posed as Delhi Telecom Department and Cyber Crime branch personnel. y placed her under 'digital arrest' after accusing her of being involved in a high-profile money laundering case. crime took place between September 1 and 5. victim stays in Mumbai's Kandivali West with her sister-in-law. A case was registered on Saturday on her complaint at rth Region Cyber police station. As per complaint, woman received a call on September 1 from a person who identified himself as an official of Delhi Telecom Department. She was told that a case was registered against her at Delhi Cyber crime branch. accused told woman that her Aadhaar card was used in crime."

What is Digital Arrest?

'Digital arrest' has become newest form of cyber scam in which victims are made to stay on video calls for hours till y transfer all ir money to fraudsters. However, so far, re has been thing called 'digital arrests' in law.

This deceptive tactic is used by cyber fraudsters to exploit people under guise of law enforcement or investigative ncies.  This usually involves conmen reaching out to potential victims through phone calls or digital means, falsely claiming that re is a warrant for ir arrest or that y are under investigation.

se conmen n demand sensitive information, such as personal or financial details.

cyber-security ncy CERT-In issued an advisory states, " scammer threatens victim with arrest or legal consequences unless he takes immediate action. y often create a sense of panic to prevent rational thinking. Under guise of "clearing ir name", "assisting with investigation" or "refundable security deposit/escrow account", individuals are coerced into transferring large sums of money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs."

PM Modi Warns Against 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' issued a stern warning to nation regarding rising menace of 'digital arrest' fraud. He emphasised that government ncy conducts interrogations over phone or demands money, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

He described modus operandi of scammers, who impersonate officials from organizations like police, CBI, and RBI . "se callers create an atmosphere of fear and urgency," he explained. "y collect personal information and use intimidation tactics to manipulate ir victims."

"re are 3 steps of digital security- stop, think, and take action. If possible, take a screenshot and do recording. government ncies give such threats over phone r do y demand money," he added, reported ANI.